As the air turns chilly and the holiday lights twinkle in every window, there’s a special magic in the kitchen that calls for sweet, festive treats. One of my favorite memories growing up involved my mom and I making colorful confections during the holiday season. The joy of whipping up something delicious and sharing it with friends and family was always worth the effort! That’s why I absolutely adore making Peppermint Macarons this time of year. They’re vibrant, delightful, and simply bursting with flavor that instantly brings a cozy, festive vibe to any gathering.

These luscious little meringue-based cookies are crisp on the outside, with a soft, chewy center, and filled with a peppermint-flavored buttercream that’ll make your taste buds dance. They aren’t just a treat to eat; they’re also a feast for the eyes and hearts. So, let’s delve into this delightful recipe together and fill the kitchen with the amazing scents of mint and chocolate!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Festive and colorful—perfect for holiday gatherings!
• Impressive, yet simple enough for bakers of any skill level.
• The combination of flavors—who doesn’t love peppermint and chocolate?
• Great for gift-giving or sharing with loved ones.
• Can be made ahead of time and stored for later enjoyment.

Ingredients

Let’s gather our supplies! This recipe makes about 20 macarons, which is a generous amount for sharing or indulging all on your own. Here’s what you’ll need:

• For the Macaron Shells:
• 1 cup (100g) almond flour (the finer, the better!)
• 1 ¾ cups (200g) powdered sugar
• 3 large egg whites, aged (preferably at room temperature)
• ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
• ½ tsp peppermint extract (or adjust according to your taste)
• Food coloring (red or green works beautifully for a festive touch)
• For the Peppermint Buttercream Filling:
• 1 cup (230g) unsalted butter, softened
• 3 ½ cups (400g) powdered sugar
• 1 tsp peppermint extract
• 2-3 tbsp heavy cream (adjust for desired consistency)
• Peppermint candy or chocolate shavings for garnish (optional)

Tip: Using aged egg whites will help your macarons achieve that perfect texture, so try to separate them a day ahead and let them sit in the fridge. It really does make a difference!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Ready to embark on this sweet adventure? Let’s get those macaron shells into the oven!

1. Prep Your Workspace: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. You can also use a silicone baking mat, which helps with even baking.
2. Sift Your Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, sift together the almond flour and powdered sugar. This step is crucial, as it eliminates lumps and ensures your macarons are smooth and lovely!
3. Whip the Egg Whites: In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites on medium speed until they’re foamy. Gradually add the granulated sugar and increase the speed to high, continuing to whip until you reach stiff peaks. This might take about 5-7 minutes. You want them to be glossy and form strong peaks, so just keep an eye on it!
4. Add Flavor and Color: Gently fold in the peppermint extract and your desired food coloring to the meringue, being careful not to overmix. It’s okay to leave it a bit swirly; it gives a lovely marbled effect in the shells!
5. Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Now, fold in the sifted almond flour and powdered sugar mixture in three additions. Use a rubber spatula and fold gently but thoroughly. Your goal is to achieve a “lava” like consistency—thick enough to hold its shape but thin enough to swirl back down within 10 seconds when you lift up the batter.
6. Pip, Pip, Hooray! Transfer the batter to a piping bag fitted with a round tip. Pipe small rounds (about 1.5 inches in diameter) onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving space between each macaron as they will spread slightly.
7. Rest the Shells: Let the piped macarons sit at room temperature for at least 30-60 minutes. This step helps create a “skin” on the surface, which is essential for that lovely “foot” you’re aiming for!
8. Bake Away: Bake the macarons in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until they’re firm but still a touch soft in the center. Avoid opening the oven door too soon; we don’t want to disrupt their rise!
9. Cool Down: Once done, remove the macarons from the oven and allow them to sit for a few minutes on the baking tray before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Make the Filling: While the shells are cooling, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and beat until fluffy. Mix in the peppermint extract and heavy cream, adjusting the consistency as needed.
11. Fill the Macarons: Pipe the buttercream filling onto half of the cooled macaron shells, then top with another shell to create a cute little sandwich!

Pro Tips & Variations

Want to take your peppermint macarons to the next level or swap in some fun variations? Here are some suggestions:

• Add Some Chocolate: Want to bring in that rich chocolatey goodness? Replace some of the almond flour with cocoa powder for a chocolate macaron shell!
• Use Different Fillings: Feel free to get creative! Try a chocolate ganache filling or even a cream cheese frosting if that tickles your taste buds.
• Garnish: Crushed peppermint candies or chocolate shavings sprinkled on top of the filling will not only add flavor but also make for a beautiful presentation.
• Make Them Mini: If you want smaller bites, just pipe smaller rounds. They make adorable little treats for holiday parties!

Serving Suggestions

Once your peppermint macarons are all filled and beautifully arranged, you can serve them in various delightful ways! Present them on a pretty platter dusted with powdered sugar for that elegant holiday touch. I love pairing them with a steaming cup of hot cocoa or a rich espresso. You could even fill a festive tin with these treats as a thoughtful homemade gift for friends or family. Just imagine their delight as they pop one of these vibrant morsels into their mouths!

Storage Tips

Don’t worry if you have leftovers—we all know how tempting they can be, but in case you do, here’s how to store them:

• Room Temperature: If you plan to enjoy them within a few days, simply store the macarons in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and delightful for up to three days.
• Refrigeration: For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. Just make sure they are in an airtight container to prevent them from absorbing any fridge odors!
• Freezing: For really long-term storage, freeze the filled macarons. Place them in a single layer in a container separated by parchment paper. They can last for up to a month. Just allow them to thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes before enjoying.

FAQs

Can I use different flavors besides peppermint?

Absolutely! You can experiment with different extracts or flavorings like vanilla, orange, or almond. Just be cautious with the quantity, as some extracts are stronger than others!

Can I make the filling ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the buttercream a day in advance. Just store it in the fridge in an airtight container and let it come to room temperature before using it again.

Why did my macarons crack on top?

This is often due to excess moisture in the batter or skipping the resting step before baking. Properly folding your meringue and letting them sit will help prevent cracks.

What if my macarons don’t have “feet”?

Feet are that lovely ruffled edge at the bottom of your macaron. If they’re missing, it usually means your batter was either overmixed or not allowed to rest long enough before baking. Practice makes perfect!

Can I add color to the shells?

Yes, and it’s a fantastic way to make your macarons festive! Gel food coloring works best to avoid adding too much liquid. Just a tiny amount goes a long way!

Conclusion

Making Peppermint Macarons is not just about creating a beautiful dessert; it’s an adventure filled with laughter, sweet aromas, and cherished moments in the kitchen. I hope you enjoy both the process and the result as much as I do! Whether you’re serving them at a holiday party, gifting them, or savouring them with hot chocolate by the fire, these delightful treats will surely add a sprinkle of joy to your celebrations. I’d love to hear how yours turn out, so don’t hesitate to leave a comment or share your thoughts! Happy baking!